Emily Cook, who was recently accepted into the University’s Law School, was crowned Miss Georgia Sunday, the day after a Gwinnett County woman relinquished the post.

Gwinnett County school teacher Kristina Higgins was named the winner Saturday night in Columbus, but stepped down Sunday because she said her responsibilities as a middle school teacher would not leave her time to serve as Miss Georgia.

As runnerup, Cook, 22, was told Sunday she was the winner. She is a recent graduate of the University of Miami and will be competing for the Miss America crown in January in Las Vegas. She plans to delay entering UGA law school until next year.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report.